France vs Italy — 1963 vs 1967
| Facel II Standard | Mistral Spyder | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 239 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,286 cc | 4,014 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.4 sec | 7.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 149 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | 15.3 sec |
| Weight | 4,057 lbs | 3,042 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,750 mm | 4,520 mm |
| Units Produced | 184 | 125 |
| Original MSRP | $12,500 | $13,200 |
| Value (Excellent) | $650,000 | $750,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 Facel Vega Facel II Standard brings more power, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1967 Maserati Mistral Spyder answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between France and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1963 Facel Vega Facel II Standard versus 1967 Maserati Mistral Spyder is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1963 Facel Vega Facel II Standard holds a clear advantage in raw power with 355 hp compared to 255 hp, a 100-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Facel Vega Facel II uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,286 cc, while the Maserati Mistral Spyder relies on a Inline-6 DOHC with 4,014 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Maserati Mistral Spyder edges ahead at 7.2 seconds versus 8.4 seconds. The Maserati Mistral Spyder carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1015 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.